JP2005115435A - Settlement processing device, system, and method, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To settle the purchase price of a commodity without newly charging electronic money in a settlement information storage device or utilizing a credit card function even when an electronic money balance stored in the settlement information storage device owned by a user intending to purchase the commodity is short and the purchase price of the commodity can not be adjusted, in a settlement processing method for adjusting the purchase price of the commodity by using electronic money stored in the settlement information storage device without using cash or a credit card. <P>SOLUTION: When the electronic money balance stored in the settlement information storage device 1 (electronic money information storage part 12) is short and the purchase price of the commodity can not be adjusted, a point lending part 23 lends points usable for the settlement of the commodity purchase price. An adjustment processing part 21 adjusts the price shortage by using the lent lending service points. A point giving part 22 issues points usable for the settlement of the commodity purchase price in accordance with the purchase of the commodity. When there is lending service point information, the adjustment processing part 21 applies acquired service points issued in accordance with the purchase of a commodity to the payment of the lending service points to adjust the commodity purchase. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  This invention relates to the purchase of a product in a payment process in which the purchase price of the product is settled using the electronic money or credit card function stored in the payment information storage device without using cash at the time of payment of the product purchase price. Even if the balance of electronic money stored in the payment information storage device owned by the user performing the transaction is insufficient and the product purchase price cannot be settled, not only cash but also electronic money and credit card functions should be used The present invention relates to a settlement processing apparatus, a settlement processing method, and a program for the settlement of a purchase price of a product.

  In recent years, various payment systems using electronic money have been proposed as new payment methods that do not use cash when paying for product purchases. This electronic money is a monetary value converted into digital data, and is stored, for example, in a storage unit of a card (hereinafter referred to as an “IC card”) in which an IC chip is incorporated, and can be adjusted according to the transaction of the product. It is used in the same way as cash payment by rewriting and updating. That is, in a payment system using electronic money, electronic money information is read from an IC card at the time of payment for a product purchase price, and a monetary value corresponding to the product purchase price is subtracted and written in the storage unit of the card. The electronic money information is rewritten and updated to the electronic money information after the subtraction, and the product purchase price is settled.

  However, in the payment system using electronic money with this IC card, when the balance of electronic money is insufficient at the time of payment for the purchase price of goods, writing (charging) of electronic money to the IC card is limited terminal. Because it can only be done with the machine, it can not respond immediately. Therefore, once the payment for the product purchase price is canceled and the electronic money is charged with the dedicated terminal, the payment for the product purchase price must be settled again, which may impair the convenience of the user. There is. In view of this, several techniques have been proposed that can cope with such a shortage of electronic money balance without charging electronic money at the time of payment for the purchase price of goods.

  For example, the first system includes an IC card that stores electronic money information and has an ID number; an IC card read / write unit that reads and writes information on the IC card; an input unit that inputs numerical values; An electronic wallet terminal device having a line control means for transmitting and receiving data via a public telephone line, a personal information storage means for storing the ID number and amount information of the IC card, and stored in the personal information storage means It is composed of collating means for collating ID numbers and amount information, data bank means for storing data information such as movies, and an information center having line control means for sending and receiving data via a public telephone network. And when reading the data information of the data bank means, if the electronic money information of the IC card is less than the charge of the data information, the ID number read from the IC card by the verification means is verified, Further, only when the user selects a loan by the input means, the entire amount or a part of the charge of the data information is stored as the amount information in the personal information storage means so that the loan processing is performed ( Patent Document 1).

  The second system also includes a determination unit that determines the size of the electronic money balance received from the IC card and the sales amount of the product, and after the predetermined credit process if the electronic money balance is smaller than the sales amount. POS terminal for performing settlement processing by adding a certain amount of money to the balance, and having other settlement functions in addition to the electronic money card function and card information including electronic money balance data And when the electronic money balance at the time of purchasing the product is less than the sales amount of the product desired to be purchased, the electronic money received after a predetermined credit process from the POS terminal And an IC card having a control unit for updating the money balance. Then, the electronic money balance received from the IC card and the sales amount of the product are determined. If the electronic money balance is smaller than the sales amount, a predetermined amount is added to the balance after a predetermined credit process. Payment processing is performed (see Patent Document 2).

  On the other hand, when a product is purchased using a predetermined card at a predetermined store, on the other hand, it is possible to purchase a product such as what percentage discount, or instead of discounting, the discount equivalent is returned to points that are valid only at the store. Accompanied with this, it is widely and generally performed to give some incentive.

JP-A-9-44576 JP 2002-366862 A

  However, the first system reduces the lent amount from the IC card when using the IC card after the electronic money charge, and is only a conventional postpaid system. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to charge and deposit the borrowed amount later, and the processing is complicated, and the collection of the receivable cannot be performed without the payment from the user. There is a problem that the system increases the number of processes in terms of the system.

  In addition, the second system does not lend the shortage amount at the time of payment, but uses an electronic money card that also has a credit card function, and presumes acceptance of automatic payment when a shortage of electronic money balance occurs. Since the credit card function is used to fill the shortage amount (post-payment), there is a problem that the system is redundant because two payment functions of electronic money and credit are used together. For this reason, a terminal for performing this process has two functions, and thus becomes expensive, and there is a problem that transactions with the center increase and the process is not efficient.

  Furthermore, the point reduction that is generally performed generally cannot be used effectively as the user desires unless points are accumulated to some extent. As a result, the points given to the corners are not used and are left as they are. Often waste.

  The present invention has been made based on the above-described circumstances, and the object is to charge electronic money even if there is a shortage of electronic money balance at the time of payment for the purchase price of goods using electronic money. The object is to provide a mechanism that can be handled by simple processing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can effectively use points as incentives acquired by purchasing products.

  In order to cope with the shortage of the electronic money balance, the present invention is not only simply lending the shortage amount at the time of settlement but omitting the troublesome task of charging electronic money, but is also widely performed with the purchase of goods. Paying attention to the fact that the point reward is not functioning effectively for many users, and using this point, the amount was lent without causing discomfort to the user without using cash or credit card functions. Repayment is possible. In other words, the present invention can be said to be a pre-borrowing system of earned points given with the purchase of a product on the assumption that the purchase of the product in the future.

  That is, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first settlement processing apparatus of the present invention stores the settlement information for at least one of electronic money information and credit card information as described in claim 1. An apparatus configured to be able to exchange information via communication with a storage device, the means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, the storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information, and settlement Payment point storage means for storing the number of loan service points granted in advance and usage history information of the loan service points, and payment for settlement of the purchase price of the product by the loan service points within the previously given range Processing means and a loan poi for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the loan point storage means as usage history information And an image processing means.

  Here, the credit information refers to a credit (card) number necessary for the settlement judgment of the purchase price of the product and its expiration date.

  In addition, the settlement information storage device owned by the user who purchases the product can hold the “contact type” in which the information stored in the storage unit is exchanged by contacting the external device without touching the external device. It does not matter what “non-contact type” is performed. The loan point is a point that can be used for settlement of the purchase price of the product, which is lent at the request of the user or automatically upon settlement of the purchase price of the product. The service point is a point that can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product, which is given from the store apparatus when the product is purchased.

  Moreover, the second settlement processing apparatus of the present invention is used for the settlement of product purchase according to the purchase price information stored in the storage means in addition to the apparatus of the above-mentioned invention as described in claim 2. The acquisition point management means for issuing the acquisition service points that can be issued at a predetermined ratio, and the loan point processing means refers to the loan point storage means when the acquisition service points are issued by the product purchase. The acquired service points are used for repayment of the loan service point usage stored as the use history information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a third settlement processing apparatus that communicates information with a settlement information storage apparatus that stores settlement means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, a storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information, and a loan service provided in advance before settlement Means for acquiring and storing the loan service points and the use history information of the loan service points from the settlement information storage device for storing the number of points and the use history information of the loan service points; and the pre-assigned range Settlement processing means for settlement of the purchase price of the goods using the loan service points in the bank, and the loan service points used for the settlement Loan point processing means for storing the number as usage history information in the settlement information storage device.

  According to a fourth settlement processing apparatus of the present invention, as set forth in claim 4, in addition to the above-described apparatuses of the present invention, the settlement information storage device is an IC card. Here, the IC card refers to a card in which an IC chip is incorporated, and refers to a card that exchanges information stored in a storage unit in the IC chip with or without contact with the device.

  The above-described object can be achieved by, for example, the settlement processing system described below. That is, the payment processing system according to the present invention includes a payment information storage device having means for storing payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information, and a user purchase as described in claim 5 A store device having means for acquiring purchase price information of a product and configured to be able to exchange information via communication with the payment information storage device, and stores purchase price information of the product acquired by the store device Purchasing means by means of storage means, loan service point number given in advance before settlement, and loan point storage means for storing usage history information of the loan service point, and purchase of goods by the loan service points within the previously given range Payment processing means for performing payment of the amount of money, and the number of loan service points used for the payment as the usage history information And an information management center device configured to be capable of exchanging information through communication with the store device.

  According to a second settlement processing system of the present invention, as set forth in claim 6, in addition to the system of the above-described invention, the information management center device is responsive to the purchase price information stored in the storage means. , Further having an acquisition point management means for issuing acquisition service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases at a predetermined ratio, and the loan point processing means, when acquisition service points are issued by product purchase, Referring to the loan point storage means, the acquired service points are used for repayment of the loan service point usage stored as the use history information.

  Further, for example, the following settlement processing method can be achieved by the above-described settlement processing apparatuses. That is, according to the payment processing method of the present invention, as described in claim 7, information is exchanged via communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A payment processing method using a device configured to be possible, wherein the device acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, the device stores the acquired purchase price information, and payment Settling the purchase price of the product stored by the device with the loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points previously given and stored by the device, and the number of loan service points used for the payment And a step of storing the device as usage history information of loan service points.

  In addition to the method of the invention described above, the second settlement processing method of the present invention is used for settlement of product purchases according to purchase price information stored in the device. The device issues issuance service points that can be obtained at a predetermined rate, and when the service points are issued by the product purchase, usage history information for storing the number of loan service points used for settlement by the device With reference, the acquired service points are allocated to repayment of the loan service point usage stored as the usage history information.

  According to a third settlement processing method of the present invention, as set forth in claim 9, information is transmitted via communication with a settlement information storage device that stores at least one settlement means information of electronic money information or credit card information. A payment processing method using an apparatus configured to be able to exchange the received information, wherein the apparatus acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, and the apparatus stores the acquired purchase price information. And from the payment information storage device for storing the number of loan service points given in advance and the use history information of the loan service points, the loan service points and the use history information of the loan service points are stored in the device. Is acquired and stored, and the product stored by the device by the loan service point within the previously given range And a step of storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the settlement information storage device as usage history information of the loan service points. To do.

  Further, the first apparatus described above includes, for example, the settlement processing program described below. In other words, the first settlement processing program of the present invention provides information via communication with a settlement information storage device that stores settlement means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information as described in claim 10. A means for acquiring a purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, and storing the acquired purchase price information. Means for settlement of the purchase price of the stored product by means of loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points given and stored in advance, and the number of loan service points used for the settlement It is characterized by functioning as means for storing point usage history information.

  Further, the second apparatus described above includes, for example, the following settlement processing program. In other words, the second settlement processing program of the present invention provides information via communication with a settlement information storage device that stores at least one settlement means information of electronic money information or credit card information as described in claim 11. A means for acquiring a purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, and storing the acquired purchase price information. Means for settlement of the purchase price of the stored product by means of loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points given and stored in advance, and the number of loan service points used for the settlement In accordance with the means for storing point usage history information and the purchase price information stored above, Means for issuing acquired service points that can be used at a predetermined rate, and when service points are issued by product purchase, refer to usage history information that stores the number of loan service points used for the settlement, and The acquired service points are functioned as means for repayment of the used loan service points stored as the use history information.

  Further, the third apparatus described above includes, for example, the settlement processing program described below. In other words, the third settlement processing program of the present invention provides information via communication with a settlement information storage device that stores settlement means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information as described in claim 12. A means for acquiring a purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, and storing the acquired purchase price information. Means for acquiring the loan service points and the usage history information of the loan service points from the payment information storage device for storing the number of loan service points given in advance before the settlement and the use history information of the loan service points; The means for storing, the purchase of the stored product by the loan service point within the pre-assigned range Means for performing a payment amount, a loan service points that were used in the settlement, characterized in that to function as a unit, to be stored in the payment information storage device as the use history information.

  According to the present invention, when the electronic money balance stored in the IC card that is the settlement information storage device is insufficient, points that can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product are lent as the shortage price. It is possible to respond immediately without requiring the trouble of canceling the payment and charging the electronic money with a dedicated terminal, or without using cash or credit card functions.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the case where the balance of electronic money is insufficient, and it is possible to effectively use points as incentives acquired by purchasing products, and it is not necessary to wait for points to accumulate to some extent, and a few points But it can be used effectively to repay loan points.

  Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline and configuration of a system for carrying out a settlement processing method according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the settlement processing method according to the present invention is installed on an IC card 1 as a settlement information storage device owned by a user who purchases a product, and a store side where the user purchases a product. An information management center device (installed on the center side for managing information exchanged with the IC card 1 and connected to the store device 2 via the communication network 10) Server) 3. In the present embodiment, the IC card 1 is a non-contact type that stores electronic money information. The communication network 10 refers to a wired telephone line including an Internet connection, a wireless telephone line, a CATV (cable television) line, and other communication line networks.

  The IC card 1 includes a card ID information storage unit 11, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a loan point information storage unit 14, and a loanable remaining point information storage unit 15. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above also includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

  The card ID information storage unit 11 stores card ID information, which is unique identification information uniquely given to each card in which an IC chip is incorporated. The IC card 1 has tamper resistance, and the card ID information stored in the card ID information storage unit 11 cannot be rewritten to identify the IC card and the user who owns the IC card. Yes. Further, as the card ID information, unique identification information previously given to the IC chip to be incorporated may be used as it is, or identification information that can be easily managed may be newly given.

  The electronic money information storage unit 12 stores electronic money information obtained by converting monetary values into digital data. This electronic money can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of merchandise, like cash. That is, for example, when the monetary value of 1 yen is managed as digital money as one electronic money, a product having a monetary value of 1 yen can be purchased with 1 electronic money. Therefore, a product equivalent to 1,000 yen can be purchased for 1,000 electronic money, and a product equivalent to 10,000 yen can be purchased for 10,000 electronic money. Since the value of the digital data can be arbitrarily set, for example, 10 electronic money may be set to a monetary value of 1 yen, or 1 electronic money may be set to a monetary value of 10 yen. .

  The acquired point information storage unit 13 stores service point information that is given by the store device when purchasing a product. Here, the service point is a point given according to the purchase price of the product, and can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product as in the case of electronic money.

  When the electronic money balance stored in the IC card is insufficient in the settlement of the purchase price of the product with electronic money, the lending point information storage unit 14 provides the user with a request from the IC card user or automatically. This stores point information that can be lent. These lending points can be lent at the time of settlement of the purchase price of the product without using electronic money charging or cash or credit card function to stop the transaction. This loan point can also be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product as in the case of electronic money.

  The remaining lending point information storage unit 15 stores the lending point value information secured for lending to the user when the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient or when the user requests it. It is something to remember. The point value information that can be lent is calculated based on a credit frame secured (set) in advance. Therefore, for example, when the lent credit limit is 5,000 points, if the loan point information is 0, the remaining lent point information is 5,000 points, and if the loan point information is 1,000, the loan is possible. The remaining point information is 4,000 points.

  The above-described card ID information, electronic money information, acquired service point information, loan point information, and loanable remaining point information may be stored separately for each area, or the order of information stored in advance and the digit of information The number may be determined and stored in series. These electronic money information, acquired service point information, and loan point information are set in advance with a common monetary value conversion rate, for example, 1 yen = 1 electronic money = 1 acquired service point = 1 loan point. And

  The store apparatus 2 includes a reader / writer 6 as a card storage information exchange unit, a product price information reception unit 7, an information control unit 20, a settlement processing unit 21, a point granting unit 22, and a point lending unit 23. , A display unit 24, an exchange information storage unit 25, and a card information communication unit 26. Although not shown, the store apparatus 2 described above includes an internal memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for recording a control program and predetermined data, and a hard disk drive as necessary. An external storage device is provided, and these functional blocks can be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing computer programs stored therein. The control program may be stored in advance in a ROM or the like, or may be first downloaded from the center apparatus (server) 3 and used. The store apparatus 2 can be constituted by a reader / writer 6 and a POS (Point-of-Sale) terminal.

  The reader / writer 6 constitutes a card information exchange unit according to the present invention, and performs processing for reading and writing information stored in the IC card. That is, in the case of the non-contact type IC card used in the present embodiment, a so-called non-contact type IC card reader / writer that transmits and receives information by simply holding it close without being touched can be used.

  The product price information receiving unit 7 performs processing for receiving product information such as a product name and product number including at least settlement information that is a purchase price (price) of a product to be purchased.

  The information control part 20 controls operation | movement of the shop apparatus 2 performed by receiving card information and payment (product price) information. Accordingly, each processing operation such as comparison of settlement information and electronic money information, renting of points, and repayment of points, which will be described later, is performed based on instructions from the information control unit 20.

  The settlement processing unit 21 performs settlement by reducing the electronic money based on the comparison between the settlement information and the electronic money information, or repays the points acquired with the purchase of the product based on the loan point information. The process which performs is performed.

  The point granting unit 22 performs a process of issuing in order to give a predetermined point to the user as the product is purchased. For example, in the case of a system that reduces 5% points, 50 points are given by purchasing 1,000 yen products, and 250 points are given by purchasing 5,000 yen products. Further, this point is a point given according to the purchase price of the product, and can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product as in the case of electronic money.

The point lending unit 23 performs processing for managing service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases, which are secured so as to be lent to the settlement information storage device, and an IC card in which electronic money is stored. Processing when issuing a product at the site, when the balance of electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient, or by requesting the user, the same points as when purchasing the product are issued to the user as loan service points Is to do.
For example, if the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is 3,000 yen in order to purchase a product of 5,000 yen, the point lending unit 23 reduces the shortage to 2,000 yen. This is done by issuing corresponding loan service points (2,000 points). At this time, the point can be lent immediately upon request from the user for the shortage of the balance or in response to the shortage of the balance.
The point granting unit 22 and the point lending unit 23 may be unified as a point issuing unit because only the point issuing conditions are different.

  The display unit 24 displays electronic information stored in the IC card when the product is purchased with an IC card in which payment information and electronic money stored in the purchase price (price) of the product received by the product price information receiving unit 7 are stored. When the balance of money is insufficient, the message information for notifying the user that the balance of electronic money is insufficient and processing for displaying the shortage amount are performed. Accordingly, the payment information displayed on the display unit 24 (that is, the purchase price (price) of the product) and a message such as “Balance is insufficient. It is possible to determine whether or not to settle by using other means, or to request the lending of points.

  When there are service points for lending, the display unit 24 displays message information such as “Lending service points are 2,000 P more” at the time of settlement with an IC card storing electronic money. To do. In addition, the display unit 24 may display, for example, “remaining 3,500 yen” or “acquired service points is 1,000 P when paying with an IC card storing electronic money if there are no service points for lending. "Is displayed. In addition, for example, the numerical value displayed in green is the electronic money balance, yellow so that the electronic money balance, acquired service point value, and service point value for lending can be easily determined without any display. The displayed numerical value may be distinguished by color, such as an acquired service point value, and the numerical value displayed in red may be a loan service point value.

  The exchange information storage unit 25 is a memory that temporarily stores the card information received by the reader / writer 6 described above. That is, the card information before settlement is stored until the payment for the product purchase price is completed, and can be used for processing in the settlement processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, and the point lending unit 23.

  The card information communication unit 26 performs a process of transmitting the updated card information that has been changed along with the settlement by purchase of the product to the information management center device 3. Transmission to the information management center apparatus 3 is performed via the communication network 10 described above.

  As described above, the store apparatus 2 is composed of the reader / writer 6 and the IC card using machine composed of other parts. Therefore, the card information read by the reader / writer 6 is subjected to a predetermined process based on an instruction from the information control unit 20 with the purchase of the product, updated and written again to the IC card 1 via the reader / writer 6. It is sent to the information management center device 3.

  The information management center device (server) 3 includes an information control unit 30, a card information receiving unit 31, a communication information storage unit 32, an electronic money information storage unit 33, an earned point information storage unit 34, and loan points. It has an information storage unit 35, a loanable remaining point information storage unit 36, a loan point management unit 37, a member personal information storage unit 38, and a card information management unit 39.

  The information control unit 30 controls the operation of the information management center device 3 executed by receiving the latest card information. Accordingly, each processing operation such as storage management of card information received from the store apparatus 2 and management of repayment status when there is a loan service point is performed based on an instruction from the information control unit 30.

  The card information receiving unit 31 performs processing for receiving updated card information from the card information communication unit 26 of the store apparatus 2 via the communication network 10. The information management center device 3 stores the latest card information received by the card information receiving unit 31 so as to cope with restoration when the IC card 1 is lost and forgery or alteration of the IC card 1. to manage.

  The communication information storage unit 32 is a memory that temporarily stores the latest card information received by the card information receiving unit 31. That is, the received card information is stored until the information updating operation in each storage unit is completed, and the electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the loan point information storage unit 35, and the remaining lent available point information It can be used for processing in the storage unit 36. The communication information storage unit 32 can store a plurality of card information.

  Similar to the electronic money information storage unit 12 in the IC card 1, the electronic money information storage unit 33 stores electronic money information obtained by converting monetary values into digital data. In addition, the acquired point information storage unit 34 stores point information given by the store apparatus when purchasing a product, as with the acquired point information storage unit 13 in the IC card 2. In addition, the loan point information storage unit 35, as with the loan point information storage unit 14 in the IC card 1, lacks the electronic money balance stored in the IC card in the settlement of the purchase price of the product with electronic money. In this case, point information lent to the user at the request of the IC card user or immediately is stored. Further, the lent remaining point information storage unit 36 is lent to the user when the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient, like the lent remaining point information storage unit 15 in the IC card 1. The service point value information for lending is stored. Note that electronic money information, acquired service point information, loan service point information, and lent remaining point information are all stored in each storage unit in association with a card ID number.

The loan point management unit 37 performs processing for managing the repayment status of the loan service points. The management of the repayment status of the loan service points is to determine whether or not a predetermined period (for example, 6 months) determined in advance from the date when the loan point management unit 37 issues the loan service points. Process. Then, when the loan service point is not repaid at the end of this period, the loan point management unit 37 adds a predetermined premium point (equivalent to an interest rate or a fee) to the original loan service point. In addition, it is possible to perform a process of making a payment request to a credit card center (not shown) for an amount corresponding to a loan service point.
It should be noted that the calculation of the premium points can be performed based on the loan point management unit 37 holding a predetermined premium calculation algorithm (for example, 5% of annual loan service points) in advance. It may be.

  The member personal information storage unit 38 includes the name, address, telephone number (including PHS and mobile phone), facsimile number, e-mail address, etc. of the user who is a member who uses this settlement processing method, age, It stores information such as family structure, credit card number, etc., such as gender, annual income, place of work, years of service, marital status. Note that what kind of information is stored as personal information is arbitrary.

  The card information management unit 39 stores each information stored in the electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the loan point information storage unit 35, and the lent available point information storage unit 36 for each user. A process of managing the database in association with each other is performed. The card information associated with each other can be in the form of a card information association database 70 shown in FIG. 3, for example. The card information association database 70 includes a card ID column 71 for managing an ID number assigned to identify each card (that is, a card member), an electronic money balance column 72 for managing electronic money balance information, Acquisition point column 73 for managing acquired service point information, loan point column 74 for managing service point information for lending, remaining loanable point 75 for managing remaining loanable point information, and loan for managing loanable point information A possible frame column 76 is provided. As a result, the card ID number managed in the card information association database 70 can be used as a clue, and the card information can be grasped as a whole without error.

  Next, an example of a method executed by the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. When the user goes to the store in FIG. 2 and purchases a product using the IC card 1 that stores the electronic money, the store device 2 lends the shortage because the electronic money balance stored in the IC card 1 is insufficient. The processing flow in the case where the card storage information updated at that time is managed by both the IC card 1 and the information management center device 3 is shown.

First, the user sets the IC card 1 in a predetermined electronic money charge IC card use machine, further inserts cash or a credit card, etc., and requests the information management center device 3 for electronic money charge (writing). (See FIG. 2 (1)).
In response to this request, the information management center device 3 makes an inquiry request to the credit card center, the center of the financial institution that manages the user's account, etc. and confirms that the requested amount can be settled, and then the requested amount. The electronic money information corresponding to is given by writing to the IC card 1 (see FIG. 2 (2)).
When the user does not have the IC card 1 in advance, the user inserts cash or a credit card into a predetermined electronic money storage IC card issuing machine, and electronic money information corresponding to the requested amount is stored. IC card 1 is issued.

When shopping at a store that employs the settlement processing method of the present invention, the user holds the IC card 1 over the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 at the time of settlement of the purchased product (see FIG. 2 (3)).
When the store apparatus 2 reads the electronic money information stored in the IC card 1 and the electronic money information is sufficient for the payment amount of the product to be purchased, the store apparatus 2 reduces the electronic money information for the price of the product to be purchased. Settlement is performed (see FIG. 2 (4)).
Further, after the electronic money settlement is completed, the store apparatus 2 issues a predetermined percentage of point information corresponding to the purchase price of the product to be given to the IC card 1 as acquired service point information (see FIG. 2 (5)). ).

Thereafter, the store apparatus 2 receives the electronic money balance information after the electronic money settlement and the issued acquired service point information from the store apparatus 2 by writing to the IC card 1 held over the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2. Each card information is rewritten (see FIG. 2 (6)).
Further, the store apparatus 2 uses the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information, which have been changed as a result of the payment for the purchase of the product, to be performed only with electronic money, together with the card ID information, as a settlement report to the information management center apparatus 3. Transmit (see FIG. 2 (7)).
Note that the settlement report to the information management center device 3 is not limited to the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information that have been changed by the settlement, but the loan service point information or the loan that has been read from the IC card 1 but has not been modified. You may make it perform card storage information called possible remaining point information collectively.

  Then, the information management center device 3 receives the settlement report from the store device 2, and updates the card information changed by the settlement, that is, the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information (see FIG. 2 (8)). Thereby, a series of IC card settlement using electronic money is completed.

Next, when the user performs shopping again using the IC card 1 in which the electronic money settlement is performed and the electronic money information is reduced at the store adopting the settlement processing method of the present invention, the purchase is performed. The IC card 1 is held over the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 when the merchandise to be paid is settled (see FIG. 2 (9)).
The store apparatus 2 receives the electronic money balance information stored in the IC card 1, determines whether the payment amount of the product to be purchased is sufficient, and if the electronic money balance information is insufficient, Calculate (see FIG. 2 (10)).

  At this time, the store apparatus 2 receives a request to make a payment using the points, and based on this request, receives the acquired service points as service point information stored in the IC card 1 and settles the product to be purchased. It may be determined whether or not the amount is sufficient, and if the acquired service point balance information is insufficient, the amount of the insufficient amount may be calculated (see FIG. 2 (10)).

Subsequently, the store apparatus 2 confirms whether or not it is possible to issue a service point for lending according to the shortage amount based on the remaining lending point information read from the IC card 1 (see FIG. 2 (11)). Specifically, it is performed by determining whether or not the number of points obtained by adding the loan service points to be issued this time to the remaining loan points reaches the loan limit.
When the store apparatus 2 determines that it is possible to lend points, it issues a loan service point and lends it to the user (see FIG. 2 (12)). At this time, the service point for lending is not actually written to the IC card 1 in response to the issuance, but is temporarily stored in the memory in the store apparatus 2 until the series of payment processing is completed, and the payment processing is completed. At this point, the data may be written to the IC card 1.

Next, in the store apparatus 2, the electronic money (or earned service points) remaining in the IC card 1 and the newly lent loan service points are used together. (Or acquired service point balance information) is reduced, and the shortage is settled by issuing service point information for lending (see FIG. 2 (13)).
In addition, after completing the settlement with the service point for lending, the store apparatus 2 issues point information of a predetermined ratio according to the purchase price of the current product as acquired service points (see FIG. 2 (14)).
Then, the store apparatus 2 repays the above-mentioned loan service points by using the acquired service points given so far with the purchase of the merchandise (see FIG. 2 (15)).

Thereafter, the store apparatus 2 sends the electronic money balance information after settlement, the service point balance information for lending, the acquired service point balance information, and the remaining loanable point information changed by the point loan to the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2. Is written into the IC card 1 to rewrite each card information received from the store apparatus 2 (see FIG. 2 (16)).
In addition, the store apparatus 2 includes electronic money balance information and loan service point balance information that have been changed as a result of the payment in the purchase of the product being performed with electronic money (or earned service points), loan service points, and earned service points. Acquired service point balance information and lent remaining point information are transmitted to the information management center apparatus 3 as point lending / settlement report and point repayment report together with card ID information (see FIG. 2 (17)).

Then, the information management center device 3 receives the point loan / settlement report and the point repayment report from the store device 2, and the card information changed by the settlement, that is, electronic money balance information, loan service point balance information, and acquired service points The balance information and the remaining loanable point information are updated (see FIG. 2 (18)).
This completes a series of IC card settlements using electronic money (or earned service points) and loan service points.

In this state, the user sets the IC card 1 in a predetermined electronic money charge IC card use machine, further inserts cash or a credit card, and requests the information management center device 3 for electronic money charge (writing). (See FIG. 2 (19)).
In response to this request, the information management center device 3 confirms the settlement of the requested amount, and then gives electronic money information corresponding to the requested amount by writing to the IC card 1 (FIG. 2 ( 20)).
At this time, in this example, the amount of loan for the loan service point is not deducted from the electronic money information charged in the IC card 1 at all. Therefore, the user can use electronic money corresponding to the amount charged to the IC card 1 without worrying about the loan amount of the loan service point.

When the user performs shopping again using the above-described charged IC card 1 at a store that employs the settlement processing method of the present invention, the user also places the IC card 1 in the store at the time of settlement of the purchased product. Hold it over the reader / writer 6 of the apparatus 2 (see FIG. 2 (21)).
When the store apparatus 2 reads the electronic money information stored in the IC card 1 and the electronic money information is sufficient for the payment amount of the product to be purchased, the store apparatus 2 reduces the electronic money information for the price of the product to be purchased. Settlement is performed (see FIG. 2 (22)).
Further, after completing the electronic money settlement, the store apparatus 2 issues a predetermined percentage of point information corresponding to the purchase price of the product to be given to the IC card 1 as acquired service point information (see FIG. 2 (23)). ).
Then, the store apparatus 2 repays the aforementioned loan service point balance by using the acquired service points that have been given so far as the product is purchased (see FIG. 2 (24)).

Thereafter, the store apparatus 2 writes the electronic money balance information after the electronic money settlement, the loan service point balance information changed by the point repayment, and the lent remaining point information to the IC card 1 via the reader / writer 6. Thus, each card information received from the store apparatus 2 is rewritten (see FIG. 2 (25)).
In addition, the store apparatus 2 has electronic money balance information, loan service point balance information, and acquired service point balance changed by payment in merchandise purchase made with electronic money and repayment of loan service points. The information and the remaining loanable point information are transmitted together with the card ID information to the information management center device 3 as a settlement report and a point repayment report (see FIG. 2 (26)).

The information management center device 3 receives the point loan / settlement report and the point repayment report from the store device 2, and the card information changed by the settlement, that is, electronic money balance information, loan service point balance information, and acquired service point balance information And the remaining loanable point information are updated (see FIG. 2 (27)).
This completes a series of settlements using the loan service points.
It should be noted that the settlement report or the like performed from the store apparatus 2 to the information management center apparatus 3 is not performed every time a product is purchased, but is collectively performed by batch processing such as every 6 hours or once a day at midnight. Anyway.

  Next, an example of a detailed operation of the store apparatus 2 in the above-described settlement processing method will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the store apparatus 2 is turned on, the stored IC card settlement control program is activated, and the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 receives the card information from the IC card 1. By determining whether or not the card information has been received, the apparatus always waits to accept card information (see S1 in FIG. 4). At this time, the IC card settlement control program may be stored in advance in the storage unit (ROM or the like) of the store apparatus 2 or the communication browser provided when the store apparatus 2 is turned on is activated. However, it may be downloaded from the information management center device (server) 3 connected via the communication network.

Next, in the store apparatus 2, when the user approaches the reader / writer 6 so as to hold the IC card 1, the reader / writer 6 reads card storage information from the IC card 1 (see S <b> 2 in FIG. 4). The card storage information read from the IC card 1 includes card ID information, electronic money information, loan service point information, acquired service point information, and remaining loanable point information.
The card storage information read by the reader / writer 6 is temporarily stored in the exchange information storage unit 25 according to an instruction from the information control unit 20.
Further, the product price information receiving unit 7 separately receives product information such as a product name and product number included at least as settlement information which is a purchase price (price) of the product to be purchased (see S3 in FIG. 4).

  Next, when the settlement information of the merchandise to be purchased is received, the checkout processing unit 21 determines whether information (request) for settlement using the points has been received (see S4 in FIG. 4).

  As a result, when information (request) for settlement using points is accepted (Y), the settlement processing unit 21 compares the point information stored in the exchange information storage unit 25 with the size of the settlement information, It is determined whether the information is larger than the settlement information (see S5 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, when the information (request) for making a payment using the points is not accepted (N), the information control unit 20 determines whether the electronic money information included in the card storage information and the payment information are larger or smaller than the settlement processing unit 21. And the settlement processing unit 21 determines whether or not the electronic money information stored in the exchange information storage unit 25 is larger than the payment information based on the instruction of the information control unit 20 (see S10 in FIG. 4). .

  As a result, when the electronic money information is larger than the settlement information (Y), that is, when the amount of electronic money stored in the IC card 1 can be settled larger than the amount of the purchased product, The unit 21 continues to reduce the electronic money information read from the IC card 1 and settles only with the electronic money (see S11 in FIG. 4). At this time, the display unit 24 displays the balance after the electronic money is reduced.

  Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point granting unit 22 issues a predetermined percentage of points according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4). This point can be used to settle the purchase price of the product.

On the other hand, when the electronic money information is smaller than the payment information (N), that is, when the amount of electronic money stored in the IC card 1 is smaller (less) than the amount of the purchased product and cannot be settled, The settlement processing unit 21 calculates an insufficient payment amount, and sends information to the information control unit 20 that the electronic money cannot be settled together with the insufficient amount.
Whether the information control unit 20 has the point information corresponding to the insufficient payment amount, that is, whether the point information is larger than the insufficient payment amount information, based on the fact that the information indicating that the electronic money alone cannot be settled is received. (See S5 in FIG. 4).

As a result of comparing the size of the point information and the payment information, if the point information is larger than the payment information (Y), that is, the value of the points that can be used for the payment of the product purchase stored in the IC card 1 is more If the payment can be made larger than the price of the product to be purchased, the payment processing unit 21 continues to subtract the point information read from the IC card 1 and perform settlement using only the points (see S9 in FIG. 4).
At this time, the display unit 24 displays the balance after the point subtraction. Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point granting unit 22 issues a predetermined percentage of points according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, when the point information is smaller than the settlement information (N), that is, the value of the points that can be used for the settlement of the product purchase stored in the IC card 1 is smaller (less) than the amount of the purchased product. If the payment is not possible, the settlement processing unit 21 calculates an insufficient payment amount, and sends information to the information control unit 20 that the payment cannot be made with only the acquired service point.
The information control unit 20 instructs the point lending unit 23 to execute a process of issuing a lending point corresponding to the insufficient payment amount based on the reception of information indicating that payment cannot be made only with the acquired service points.

In accordance with an instruction from the information control unit 20, the point lending unit 23 issues a service point for lending corresponding to the insufficient payment amount and sends it to the settlement processing unit 21 (see S8 in FIG. 4).
Then, the settlement processing unit 21 performs settlement using the loan service points lent by the point lending unit 23 and settles the settlement deficit amount (see S9 in FIG. 4). At this time, the display unit 24 displays the loan service points.

  Here, due to the shortage of the electronic money balance, the service point for lending is automatically issued and the amount of settlement is settled at the service point for lending, but it is determined that the balance of electronic money is insufficient. In such a case, the user may be inquired whether or not he / she wants to lend points. In this case, the information control unit 20 displays message information and an insufficient amount for inquiring the user whether or not to lend points based on receiving information from the settlement processing unit 21 that payment cannot be made only with electronic money. It is sent to the part 24 and it is judged whether or not the point loan is executed (see S6 in FIG. 4). Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message and the shortage amount, and asks for an answer to the message.

  As a result, when the information control unit 20 obtains a response from the user to request the issuance of loan service points (Y), the point loan unit 23 issues a loan service point corresponding to the shortage amount. Whether it is possible (OK) or not is determined based on the remaining lending available point information of the IC card 1 stored in the exchange information storage unit 25 (FIG. 4, S7). Specifically, the point lending unit 23 holds in advance the number of points obtained by adding the lending service points to be issued this time to the remaining lending points stored in the transfer information storage unit 25. It can be processed by determining whether or not the loan limit has been reached.

As a result of the determination, if it is possible to lend (Y), the information control unit 20 instructs the point lending unit 23 to lend a point corresponding to the insufficient payment amount, and the point lending unit 23 corresponds to the insufficient payment amount. Points to be issued are issued (FIG. 4, S8).
Then, the settlement processing unit 21 settles the settlement deficit amount using the issued loan service point, and performs settlement with the electronic money and the loan service point (see S9 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, if the information control unit 20 cannot obtain an answer to lend points (N), it sends information to the settlement processing unit 21 that the settlement process is canceled as the product cannot be settled. Then, message information indicating that the IC card settlement process is to be terminated is sent to the display unit 24, and the IC card settlement process is terminated (end). Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message.

  If you do not get an answer to lend points, do not stop the payment process immediately, and do not use lending points, for example, use cash or credit card functions. good.

  In addition, if the number of points, including the number of service points for lending issued this time, has reached the lending limit secured in advance by the point lending unit 23 and is not lending (N), lending the above points Similarly to the case where the reply to the effect is not obtained, information indicating that the settlement process is to be stopped is sent to the settlement processing unit 21 as the product cannot be settled, and the message information to end the IC card settlement process is also sent. The information is sent to the display unit 24, and the IC card settlement process is ended (end). Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message.

Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point granting unit 22 issues a predetermined percentage of points according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4).
Thereafter, the information control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a loan service point next with reference to history information on the use of the loan point after the product purchase settlement (see S13 in FIG. 4). The history information on the use of the loan points is included in the card information received by the reader / writer 6 and stored in the transfer information storage unit 25. Note that the history information on the use of loan points may be managed by the point loan unit 23 that issues points for loan without being acquired from the IC card.

  As a result, when the information control unit 20 determines that there is a loan service point (Y), the information control unit 20 sends information to that effect to the settlement processing unit 21. The settlement processing unit 21 receives an instruction from the information control unit 20, and repays all or part of the loan service points using the acquired service points issued by the point granting unit 22 (see S14 in FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, the information control unit 20 instructs the exchange information storage unit 25 to send the card information after completion of the IC card settlement to the reader / writer 6. The information stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 is initially the content stored in the IC card read by the reader / writer 6, but with the change of the card information by each process described above, the settlement processing unit 21. The latest information is received and updated from time to time. Then, the reader / writer 6 writes the latest card information received from the exchange information storage unit 25 to the IC card and rewrites and updates the information thus far (see S15 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, if the information control unit 20 determines that there is no loan service point (N), the loan service point is not repaid, and the reader / writer 6 receives the latest card information received from the transfer information storage unit 25. Write to IC card and rewrite and update information so far (see S15 in FIG. 4)

In addition, the information control unit 20 instructs the exchange information storage unit 25 to send the card information after the IC card settlement to the card information communication unit 26 as well. Then, the card information communication unit 26 transmits the latest card information received from the exchange information storage unit 25 to the information management center device 3 via the information network 10 such as the Internet (see S16 in FIG. 4).
As a result, a series of IC card settlement processing ends (end).

  Then, the information management center device 3 that has received the latest card information from the store device 2 receives the electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the loan point information storage unit 35, and the lent available point information storage unit 36. Each piece of information is rewritten and managed to this card information.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when the balance of electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient, points that can be used for product settlement are lent. This can be done immediately without the need to temporarily stop the payment and charge the electronic money with a dedicated terminal, or without using cash or credit card functions. Moreover, since the points given by the point return system that is widely used are used to repay the lent points, the user can use the points effectively unconsciously by simply shopping. Repayment of loan service points is possible. Furthermore, according to the present invention, points can be used at a plurality of stores, and it is possible to cope with prevention of counterfeiting and alteration of cards.

  Note that the IC card 1 and the reader / writer 6 may use so-called contact type IC cards and reader / writers in which terminals are brought into contact with the IC cards to exchange information, or a predetermined terminal (for example, an IC card) may be used. , A mobile phone terminal equipped with an IC, a PDA terminal, or the like. Further, instead of a non-contact IC, a so-called contact type IC card that performs communication by directly connecting a terminal to the IC may be used.

  In this embodiment, the settlement processing method having the configuration including the IC card 1, the store device 2, and the information management center device 3 for storing electronic money information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and is as follows. A system having a simple configuration can also be obtained. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the part similar to the said embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the other first configuration makes it possible to easily adopt the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 5, another first configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention is an IC card 1 (1B) that stores electronic money information owned by a user who purchases a product, and the user The IC card 1 (1B) is installed on the store side where the purchase is made, and the store apparatus 2 (2B) that exchanges information. The IC card 1 (1B) has means for storing loan service points and history information on the use of the loan service points for settlement. The store apparatus 2 (2B) stores the loan service points and the history information. Is obtained from the IC card 1 (1B) and stored. That is, this embodiment is largely different from the above-described embodiment in that the center device (server) 3 is not installed.

  The IC card 1 includes a card ID information storage unit 11, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a loan point information storage unit 14, and a loanable remaining point information storage unit 15. Further, although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is naturally provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

  The store apparatus 2 includes a reader / writer 6 as a card storage information exchange unit, a product price information reception unit 7, an information control unit 20, a settlement processing unit 21, a point granting unit 22, and a point lending unit 23. The display unit 24 and the exchange information storage unit 25 are provided. Although not shown, the store apparatus 2 described above is also provided with a ROM or the like for recording a control program, and this control program is stored in the ROM in advance.

  With the above configuration, electronic money and point management can be performed only with an IC card, and can be easily adopted without installing a center device (server) 3. In this configuration, when it is uneasy that it cannot cope with restoration when the IC card 1 is lost or forgery or alteration of the IC card 1, another system of the second configuration can be used.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 6, another second configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention is the IC card 1 (1C) owned by the user who purchases the product and the store side where the user purchases the product. The IC card 1 and a store apparatus 2 (2C) for exchanging information are provided. And this shop apparatus 2 (2C) has a means to memorize | store the history information by which the loan service point and this loan service point were used for payment. That is, the above-described embodiment is different from the IC card 1 side in that the center device (server) 3 is not installed, and the loan service point and the means for storing the history information of the loan service point used for settlement are stored. It is different in having it on the store apparatus 2 (2C) side instead.

  The IC card 1 includes a card ID information storage unit 11 and an electronic money information storage unit 12. Further, although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is naturally provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

  In addition, the store apparatus 2 includes a reader / writer 6, a product price information receiving unit 7, an information control unit 20, a settlement processing unit 21, a point granting unit 22, a point lending unit 23, a display unit 24, An information storage unit 25, an acquired point information storage unit 27, a loan point information storage unit 28, and a card information management unit 29 are provided. Although not shown, the store apparatus 2 described above also includes a ROM or the like for recording a control program, and this control program is stored in the ROM in advance. That is, the other first configuration described above is that the acquired point information storage unit, the loan point information storage unit, and the lent available remaining point information storage unit are eliminated from the IC card 1, and the acquired point information storage unit 27 is stored in the store apparatus 2. The difference is that a loan point information storage unit 28 and a card information management unit 29 are provided.

  The acquisition point information storage unit 27 and the loan point information storage unit 28 store the same information as the acquisition point information storage unit 13 and the loan point information storage unit 14 provided in the IC card 1 in the above-described embodiment. To do. The card information management unit 29 performs the same processing as the card information management unit 39 provided in the information management center apparatus 3 in the above-described embodiment.

  With the configuration described above, electronic money and point management can be performed only with an IC card, which can be easily adopted without installing a center device (server) 3, and the IC card 1 is lost. Thus, it is possible to cope with restoration when the IC card 1 is forged or forgery or alteration of the IC card 1. Moreover, since points can be used only at a specific store, it is possible to set points unique to that store, and when renting points, the user revisits to repay these loan service points. You can have the product purchased.

  The present invention is also applicable to the case where the user (member) goes to a store (real mall) for shopping as described above and the user performs shopping at a virtual store (virtual mall) on the web. be able to. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 7, another third configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention is installed on the IC card 1 (1B) owned by the user who purchases the product and on the user side who purchases the product. A user apparatus 4 that exchanges information with the IC card, and an information management center apparatus (server) that is installed on the center side that manages information exchanged with the IC card and is connected to the user apparatus via the communication network 10 ) 5. That is, it further includes means for transmitting the update information of the settlement means information held by the IC card 1 (1B) to the information management center apparatus 5 via communication. The difference is that the user device 4 is used instead, and the information exchanged with the IC card is managed on the information management center device (server) 5 side.

  The IC card 1 includes a card ID information storage unit 11, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a loan point information storage unit 14, and a loanable remaining point information storage unit 15. Further, although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is naturally provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

  The user device 4 includes a reader / writer 8, a product information input unit 9, and a transaction information communication unit 46. The product information input unit 9 performs processing for specifying a product to be purchased on the web. An input device such as a keyboard or a mouse is used to perform processing for specifying the product to be purchased.

  Further, the transaction information communication unit 46 performs processing for transmitting the card storage information stored in the IC card received by the reader / writer 8 and the product information specified by the product information input unit to the information management center device 5. Transmission to the information management center device 5 is performed via the communication network 10 described above.

  The information management center device (server) 5 includes an information control unit 50, a transaction information communication unit 51, a settlement processing unit 52, a point granting unit 53, a point lending unit 54, a display unit 55, and a transaction information storage unit. 56, an electronic money information storage unit 57, an acquired point information storage unit 58, a loan point information storage unit 59, a loanable remaining point information storage unit 60, a loan point management unit 61, and a member personal information storage unit 62. And a card information management unit 63. That is, the information management center apparatus (server) 5 integrates the so-called IC card using machine portion of the store apparatus 2 in the present embodiment described above and the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in the present embodiment described above. It can be said that

  Therefore, the information control unit 50 performs the same processing as the information control unit 30 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the above-described embodiment. The transaction information communication unit 51 receives card storage information and product information from the transaction information communication unit 46 of the user device 4 via the communication network 10 in the same manner as the card information reception unit 31 provided in the store apparatus 2. I do.

  Further, the clearing processing unit 52, the point granting unit 53, the point lending unit 54, and the display unit 55 are all the clearing processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, the point provided in the store apparatus 2 in the present embodiment described above. Processing similar to that performed by the lending unit 23 and the display unit 24 is performed. The transaction information storage unit 56 performs processing for temporarily storing the card storage information and the merchandise information received by the transaction information communication unit 51, similarly to the exchange information storage unit 25 provided in the store apparatus 2. is there. That is, the card storage information and the merchandise information are stored until settlement of the merchandise purchase price is completed, and can be used for processing in the clearing processing unit 52, the point granting unit 53, and the point lending unit 54. . Accordingly, the card information stored in the transaction information storage unit 56 is automatically deleted when new card information is received or after a predetermined time.

  In addition, the electronic money information storage unit 57, the acquired point information storage unit 58, the loan point information storage unit 59, the lent remaining point information storage unit 60, the loan point management unit 61, the member personal information storage unit 62, and the card information management unit 63 In addition, all of the electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the loan point information storage unit 35, and the remaining loanable points provided in the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in the present embodiment described above. Processing similar to that performed by the information storage unit 36, the loan point management unit 37, the member personal information storage unit 38, and the card information management unit 39 is performed.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to purchase products using point lending at a plurality of virtual stores (virtual malls) on the web, and exchange information directly with the information management center device 3 side. It can be carried out.

  Furthermore, the present invention can cope with the case where the user (member) performs shopping using electronic money as described above, and also when the user performs shopping using the credit function. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 8, another fourth configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention is installed on the credit card 101 owned by the user who purchases the product and the store side where the product is purchased. A store apparatus 104 that exchanges information with the card 101, and an information management center apparatus (server) that is installed on the center side that manages information exchanged with the credit card 101 and is connected to the store apparatus 104 via the communication network 110. ) 105.

  The credit card 101 has a card information storage unit 111. The card information refers to credit information such as a credit number and an expiration date necessary for determining a purchase price for a product. Further, although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is naturally provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

  The store apparatus 104 includes a reader / writer 106 as a card storage information exchange unit, a product price information reception unit 107, and a transaction information communication unit 126. The reader / writer 106 performs processing for reading credit information stored in the credit card 101.

  The product price information receiving unit 107 performs processing for receiving product information such as a product name and product number including at least settlement information that is a purchase price (price) of a product to be purchased.

  Further, the transaction information communication unit 126 performs processing to transmit the credit card information stored in the credit card received by the reader / writer 106 and the product information received by the product price information receiving unit to the information management center device 105. Transmission to the information management center device 105 is performed via the communication network 110 described above.

  The information management center device (server) 105 includes an information control unit 130, a transaction information communication unit 131, a credit settlement processing unit 132, a point settlement processing unit 133, a point granting unit 134, a point lending unit 135, and a display. Unit 136, transaction information storage unit 137, earned point information storage unit 138, loan point information storage unit 139, lent remaining point information storage unit 140, loan point management unit 141, and member personal information storage unit 142. And a card information management unit 143.

  The information control unit 130 controls the operation of the information management center device 105 executed by accepting card storage information as settlement determination information. Accordingly, each processing operation, such as credit settlement processing or point settlement processing, and management of repayment status when there is a loan service point, is performed based on an instruction from the information control unit 130.

  The transaction information communication unit 131 receives card storage information and product information from the transaction information communication unit 126 of the store apparatus 104 via the communication network 110 in the same manner as the card information reception unit 31 provided in the store apparatus 2. I do.

  The credit checkout processing unit 132 performs processing for paying out the product price information based on a predetermined credit frame. In addition, the point settlement processing unit 133 repays the points acquired with the purchase of the merchandise based on the service point information for lending, like the settlement processing unit 21 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the above-described embodiment. It is a process to pay for and settle. The point settlement processing unit 133 may be unified as a point issue processing unit together with a point granting unit 134 and a point lending unit 135 described later.

  The point granting unit 134, the point lending unit 135, and the display unit 136 all perform the same processing as the point granting unit 22, the point lending unit 23, and the display unit 24 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the above-described embodiment. . The transaction information storage unit 137 performs processing for temporarily storing the card storage information and the merchandise information received by the transaction information communication unit 131, similarly to the exchange information storage unit 25 provided in the store apparatus 2. is there. That is, the card storage information and the merchandise information are stored until the settlement of the merchandise purchase price is completed, and can be used for processing in the credit settlement processing unit 132, the point settlement processing unit 133, and the point loan unit 135. It is. Therefore, the card information stored in the transaction information communication unit 131 is automatically deleted when new card information is received or after a certain time.

  In addition, the acquired point information storage unit 138, the loan point information storage unit 139, the remaining loanable point information storage unit 140, the loan point management unit 141, the member personal information storage unit 142, and the card information management unit 143 are all described above. The electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the loan point information storage unit 35, the loanable remaining point information storage unit 36, and the loan points provided in the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in the present embodiment. The same processing as the management unit 37, member personal information storage unit 38, and card information management unit 39 is performed.

  With the above-described configuration, it is possible to purchase a product using point lending with a card having a credit function, and it is possible to directly exchange information with the information management center device 105 side.

  Next, an example of detailed operations in the store apparatus 104 and the information management center apparatus 105 in the above-described settlement processing method will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, first, when the power of the store apparatus 104 is turned on, the stored credit card settlement control program is activated, and the reader / writer 106 of the store apparatus 104 receives credit information from the credit card 101. By determining whether or not the credit information has been received, the system always waits to accept credit information (see S101 in FIG. 9). At this time, the credit card settlement control program may be stored in advance in a storage unit (such as a ROM) of the store apparatus 104, or the communication browser provided when the store apparatus 104 is turned on is activated. However, the information may be downloaded from the information management center device (server) 105 connected via the communication network.

  Next, in the store apparatus 104, when the user or the store clerk passes the credit card 101 through the reader / writer 106, the reader / writer 106 reads the credit information from the credit card 101, and the read credit information is used as the transaction information communication unit 126. However, it is sent to the credit card center via a communication network such as a CAFIS network, for example, and is authenticated whether the credit card 101 can be used (OK) (see S102 in FIG. 9). At this time, the credit information read from the credit card 101 is the credit card number and its expiration date information. Further, in the store apparatus 104, the product price information receiving unit 107 separately receives product information such as a product name and product number including at least purchase price (price) information as settlement information of the product to be purchased.

As a result, if the authentication is OK, the point settlement processing unit 133 continues to determine whether or not information (request) for settlement using points is received (see S103 in FIG. 9). On the other hand, when the authentication is not OK, the transaction information communication unit 126 accepts information indicating that the settlement process is not accepted, as in the case of the ordinary credit card settlement, because the merchandise cannot be settled.
If the authentication is OK, the transaction information communication unit 126 transmits the credit information read by the reader / writer 6 and the product information received by the product price information receiving unit 107 to the information management center device 105 as payment information via the communication network 110. Send through.

  When the information (request) for settlement using the points is received (Y), in the information management center device 105, the point settlement processing unit 133 is used for the settlement of the purchase of the product secured to be lent. The loan service point information can be compared with the purchase price information of the product in the payment information received from the store apparatus 104, and it is determined whether or not the loan service point information is larger than the payment information (see S104 in FIG. 9). ).

On the other hand, if information (request) for settlement using points is not accepted (N), the credit settlement processing unit 132 performs ordinary credit settlement (see S105 in FIG. 9).
When the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point granting unit 134 issues a predetermined percentage of points according to the purchase amount of the product (see S108 in FIG. 9). This point can be used to settle the purchase price of the product.

As a result of comparing the size of the loan service point information and the settlement information, if the loan service point information is larger than the settlement information (Y), that is, the value of the points that can be used for the settlement of the product purchase, which is secured to lend If it is possible to pay more than the price of the product to be purchased, the point settlement processing unit 133 sends information to the information control unit 130 to execute the process of issuing the lending points.
The information control unit 130 instructs the point lending unit 135 to execute a process of issuing a lending point corresponding to the purchase price information of the product based on receiving the information that can be settled with the lending service point.

  In accordance with the instruction from the information control unit 130, the point lending unit 135 issues a loan service point corresponding to the insufficient payment amount and sends it to the point settlement processing unit 133 (see S106 in FIG. 9). Then, the point settlement processing unit 133 performs settlement using the lending service points lent by the point lending unit 135 and settles the settlement deficit amount (see S107 in FIG. 9). When the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point granting unit 134 issues a predetermined percentage of points according to the purchase amount of the product (see S108 in FIG. 9). The issued points are stored in the acquired point information storage unit 138.

  On the other hand, when the loan service point information is smaller than the settlement information (N), that is, the value of the points that can be used for the settlement of the product purchase secured so as to be lent is smaller (less) than the amount of the product to be purchased. If payment is not possible, information indicating that the payment process is to be stopped is sent to the point payment processing unit 133 and the message information indicating that the loan service point payment process is to be ended is displayed on the display unit. Send and terminate the loan service point settlement process.

  Thereafter, the information control unit 130 determines whether or not there is a next loan service point by referring to the history information on the use of the loan point after the product purchase is settled (see S109 in FIG. 9). The history information on the use of the loan points is stored in the loan point management unit 141. The history information on the use of loan points may be managed by the point loan unit 135 that issues points for loan or the loan point information storage unit 139 that stores point information lent to users. However, it may be included in the card information received by the reader / writer 106 and managed by the card information management unit 143.

As a result, if the information control unit 130 determines that there is a loan service point (Y), the information control unit 130 sends information to that effect to the point settlement processing unit 133. The point settlement processing unit 133 receives an instruction from the information control unit 130 and repays all or part of the loan service points using the acquired service points issued by the point granting unit 134 (see S110 in FIG. 9). .
As a result, a series of credit card settlement processing ends (end).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when using a credit card, points that can be used for product settlement are lent, so a small amount can be settled without using credit settlement by the credit card function. it can.

  Both the credit settlement processing unit 132 and the point settlement processing unit 133 may be provided in the information management center device 105, or only the point settlement processing unit 133 is provided in the information management center device 105, and the credit settlement processing unit 132 is You may make it provide in a credit card center separately.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system which implements the payment processing method which concerns on this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of the payment processing method which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the card information correlation database which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of the payment processing method concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other 1st structure of the payment processing method which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other 2nd structure of the payment processing method concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other 3rd structure of the payment processing method concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other 4th structure of the payment processing method concerning this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the other flow of the payment processing method concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 (1A, 1B, 1C) ... Payment information storage device (IC card),
2 (2A, 2B, 2C) ... store equipment,
3, 5 ... Information management center device (server), 4 ... User device,
6, 8 ... Card memory information exchange unit (reader / writer),
7 ... Product price information receiving part (register), 9 ... Product information input part,
10: Communication network, 11: Card ID information storage unit,
12, 33, 57 ... electronic money information storage unit,
13, 27, 34, 58... Acquired point information storage unit,
14, 28, 35, 59 ... loan point information storage unit,
15, 36, 60 ... loan available remaining point information storage unit,
20, 30, 50 ... information control unit, 21, 52 ... settlement processing unit,
22, 53 ... point granting unit, 23, 54 ... point lending unit,
24, 55 ... display unit, 26 ... card information communication unit, 29 ... card information management unit,
31: Card information receiving unit, 32: Communication information storage unit,
37, 61 ... Loan point management unit, 38, 62 ... Member personal information storage unit 46, 51 ... Transaction information communication unit, 56 ... Transaction information storage unit,
70 ... Card information association database,
101 ... Payment information storage device (credit card), 104 ... Store device,
105 ... Information management center device (server),
106: Card storage information sending / receiving unit (reader / writer), 107: Product price information receiving unit,
110: Communication network, 111: Card information storage unit,
130: Information control unit, 131: Transaction information communication unit,
132 ... Credit settlement processing unit, 133 ... Point settlement processing unit,
134 ... point granting part, 135 ... point loan part,
136 ... Display unit, 137 ... Transaction information storage unit, 138 ... Acquired point information storage unit,
139 ... Loan point information storage unit,
140 ... Remaining loanable point information storage unit, 141 ... Lending point management unit,
142: Member personal information storage unit, 143: Card information management unit.

Claims (12)

A device configured to be able to exchange information via communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information,
Means for obtaining purchase price information of the product purchased by the user;
Storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information;
Loan point storage means for storing the number of loan service points given in advance before settlement and use history information of the loan service points;
A settlement processing means for performing settlement of the purchase price of the product with a loan service point within the previously given range;
Loan point processing means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the loan point storage means as usage history information;
A payment processing apparatus comprising: In accordance with the purchase price information stored in the storage means, further comprising acquisition point management means for issuing acquisition service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases at a predetermined rate,
The loan point processing means refers to the loan point storage means when an acquired service point is issued by purchasing a product, and uses the loan service point used for storing the acquired service point as the use history information. Appropriate for repayment,
The settlement processing apparatus according to claim 1. A device configured to be able to exchange information via communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information,
Means for obtaining purchase price information of the product purchased by the user;
Storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information;
Acquire and store the loan service points and the usage history information of the loan service points from the payment information storage device that stores the number of loan service points given in advance and the use history information of the loan service points. Means,
A settlement processing means for performing settlement of the purchase price of the product with a loan service point within the previously given range;
Loan point processing means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the settlement information storage device as usage history information;
A payment processing apparatus comprising: The payment information storage device is an IC card;
The settlement processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A payment information storage device having means for storing payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information;
A means for obtaining purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
A store device configured to be able to exchange information via communication with the payment information storage device;
Storage means for storing purchase price information of the product acquired in the store apparatus;
Loan point storage means for storing the number of loan service points given in advance before settlement and use history information of the loan service points;
A settlement processing means for performing settlement of the purchase price of the product with a loan service point within the previously given range;
Loan point processing means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as use history information in the loan point storage means,
An information management center device configured to be able to exchange information with the store device via communication;
A payment processing system comprising: The information management center device further includes acquisition point management means for issuing acquisition service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases at a predetermined rate in accordance with purchase price information stored in the storage means. ,
The loan point processing means refers to the loan point storage means when an acquired service point is issued by purchasing a product, and uses the loan service point used for storing the acquired service point as the use history information. Appropriate for repayment,
The settlement processing system according to claim 5, wherein: A payment processing method using a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information and a device configured to be able to exchange information via communication,
A step in which the device acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
The device stores the acquired purchase price information;
Settling the purchase price of the product stored by the device with loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points given in advance and stored by the device before settlement;
Storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as use history information of the loan service points,
A settlement processing method characterized by comprising: In response to the purchase price information stored in the device, the device issues acquisition service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases at a predetermined rate;
When service points are issued by the product purchase, the device stores the acquired service points as the use history information with reference to use history information that stores the number of loan service points used for settlement. Steps for repayment of loan service point usage,
The settlement processing method according to claim 7, further comprising: A payment processing method using a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information and a device configured to be able to exchange information via communication,
A step in which the device acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
The device stores the acquired purchase price information;
The device obtains the loan service points and the usage history information of the loan service points from the payment information storage device that stores the number of loan service points given in advance and the use history information of the loan service points. And memorizing step,
Settling the purchase price of the product stored in the device with the loan service points within the pre-assigned range;
Storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the settlement information storage device as usage history information of the loan service points,
A settlement processing method characterized by comprising: Executes payment of the purchase price of a product to a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information and a device configured to be able to exchange information via communication To make the computer,
Means for obtaining purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
Means for storing the acquired purchase price information;
Means for settlement of the purchase price of the product to be stored by the loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points given and stored in advance before settlement;
Means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as use history information of loan service points;
Program to function as. Executes payment of the purchase price of a product to a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information and a device configured to be able to exchange information via communication To make the computer,
Means for obtaining purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
Means for storing the acquired purchase price information;
Means for settlement of the purchase price of the product to be stored by the loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points given and stored in advance before settlement;
Means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as use history information of loan service points;
A means for issuing acquired service points at a predetermined rate that can be used for settlement of product purchases in accordance with the stored purchase price information;
When service points are issued by purchasing a product, refer to the use history information storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement, and use the loan service points storing the acquired service points as the use history information Means to repay the minute,
Program to function as. Executes payment of the purchase price of a product to a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information and a device configured to be able to exchange information via communication To make the computer,
Means for obtaining purchase price information of a product purchased by a user;
Means for storing the acquired purchase price information;
Acquire and store the loan service points and the usage history information of the loan service points from the payment information storage device that stores the number of loan service points given in advance and the use history information of the loan service points. means,
Means for settlement of the purchase price of the stored product by means of a loan service point within the pre-assigned range;
Means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement in the settlement information storage device as usage history information;
Program to function as.

Images